History

The vision, ministries and missions of the Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church are all products of the ongoing, progressive revelation of the will of the Lord concerning His church and His Kingdom. As the Holy Spirit unlocks the eternal mysteries of the progressive revelation of Jesus Christ, His Kingdom and His authority in the earth, the vision and purposes of this ministry are adjusted and expanded. The Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church recognizes that it exists not to serve itself, but the eternal purposes of God in the earth and specifically in its local sphere of influence.

The motto of our church is "Building lives, relationships and communities." We are committed to accomplishing this through preaching, teaching, evangelizing, and equipping believers, affecting them spiritually, physically, relationally, and economically. We believe that every believer's life ought to reflect the Glory of God, which is "Christ in you, the hope of glory..."

There is more to you than who you have been and what you have done. Our Pastor's personal motto is "there is another you in you." That "other you" was created in the image of God. That "other you" is godly prosperous in every area of life. That "other you" has a divinely ordained purpose and destiny that will manifest the fullness of your God-given potential and power. That "other you" is lying beneath the "shell" of your previous existence. Don't be fooled by your mistakes, your pains, your past, your weaknesses, or your fears, for "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."

It's our job to proclaim Christ to you for you to learn who He is, so that He will teach you who YOU are and His Spirit will bring the "greater" out of you. Regardless of your past or your present, the greatest that God has for you is waiting for the greater in you to show up right NOW!

The Past

The Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church has its history rooted in sensitivity to the movement of the Holy Spirit. It was founded during a time of challenge and became successful against all odds. The history of the church is a modern testimony to the Hand of God in the face of pressure.

In 1987, the late Pastor A.B. Sherman and his wife, the late Mother Elizabeth Sherman, his son-in-law, Dea. William R. Johnson, Jr., and his daughter, Sis. Sadie Johnson all simultaneously sensed a calling upon their lives to organize a church. The year of 1987 was a time of economic recession and it was thought foolish by many to initialize anything new during that period. In addition, Pastor Sherman was 73 years old, considered "too old" to start anything new. But, God has consistently proven through this ministry that "He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise."

Founded in 1987 in Pastor and Mother Sherman's home, the church began to grow rapidly. Late in 1990, the church was invited by Mr. Robert Settles, and moved to have services at the Webb's Settles Funeral Home in Greenville. The Lord added tremendously to the church while there. In November 1992, the first services were held in the old sanctuary.

In March 1993 Pastor Sherman felt the leading of the Lord to recommend that his grandson, the Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, become the new pastor. He was ordained in May 1993 and installed in July 1993. Since Pastor Johnson began leading the ministry, he has continued to build tremendously upon the solid foundation laid by Pastor Sherman and the founders of the church. The church has added many ministries, including many community outreach efforts that have resulted in the church becoming one of the fastest growing churches in the city.

Our Present & Future Plans

On the 25 acres the church owns, we converted the vacant house into a youth facility with a computer lab and a center for entrepreneurial training. The church houses Kingdom Kids Academy-which facilitates the After School Program and Summer Enrichment Program for K-4 - 8th grade students; Life Institute & Bible Study-which facilitates life application sessions to develop disciples through education & training that will, "Equip You for Life". Our other outreach efforts are the Woodmont United Care-which provides food and emergency assistance for families; the South Greenville Community Backpack Program-which feeds youth on the weekends who would not have a meal until they are back to school on Mondays; The Feeding the Needy Project -Feeding homeless a hot meal every month at Triune Mercy Center; The Morning Glory Conference Calls-Members & people over the country dial in (712-432-3066, code 418684) to review a book, decree & declare God's word & pray for God's will to be done in the earth, as it is in heaven.

We are building people of IMAPCT, who will in the future build the IMPACT (Innovative Ministries for Personal And Community Transformation) Center. The IMPACT Center will exist to exponentially multiply our outreach efforts in one place - provide an environment for holistic personal development and community improvement by providing services and programs that promote physical, educational, emotional, vocational, relational, and spiritual wellness for all ages. It will be 9 Centers in 1 Complex - Worship Center, Youth Center, Career Center, Education Center, Health & Wellness Center, Medical Center, Counseling Center, Recreation Center, and Entertainment Center.